The taper fade has been a staple in men’s grooming for years now. Walk into any barbershop and you’ll see dozens of guys getting some version of it. The style works because it’s practical—you don’t need to spend half an hour in front of a mirror every morning—and it simply looks good. Whether you’re heading to the office or just want something clean and put-together, the taper fade gives you that without much effort.
This guide covers what you need to know: the different fade variations, how to pick one that suits your face shape, how to talk to your barber so you actually get what you want, and how to keep it looking fresh between cuts.
A taper fade is a haircut where the hair gradually gets shorter as it moves from the top of your head down toward your neck and ears. Unlike a buzz cut where everything is the same length, the fade creates a smooth transition from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back. The key part is that fade itself—the progression from longer lengths down to skin or very close-cropped hair.
The fade does a few things practically. By cutting the sides shorter, it draws attention to whatever style you have on top, whether that’s a pompadour, quiff, textured crop, or your natural curls. It also solves that common problem where hair on the sides grows faster or sticks out in weird directions. The style started in African American barbershops back in the mid-20th century and has evolved into the mainstream go-to it is today—everything from subtle professional looks to bold styles with high contrast.
Each fade type gives you a different look and requires different upkeep. Here’s the breakdown:
Low Taper Fade
The fade starts just above the ear and goes down to the neckline. It’s the most understated version—good if you want something professional that doesn’t draw attention. It lasts a bit longer between cuts since the grow-out looks natural.
Mid Taper Fade
The fade starts about halfway between your ear and the crown of your head. This is the most popular choice for men in their 20s and 30s who want something modern but not extreme. Plan on getting it touched up every three to four weeks.
High Taper Fade
The fade starts much closer to the crown, creating maximum contrast between the top and sides. This works well with pompadours, flat tops, and textured crops, but you’ll need a cut every two to three weeks to keep it looking sharp.
Skin Taper Fade
The sides go all the way down to bald skin. This creates the most dramatic contrast. It requires a skilled barber since any scalp imperfections become visible. A lot of guys with receding hairlines actually prefer this because it lets them control exactly where their hairline sits.
Drop Taper Fade
The fade follows the curve of your head—going lower in the back than in the front. This looks more natural because it accounts for the actual shape of your skull. It pairs especially well with styles that have volume on top.
Here are some of the most popular ways to wear a taper fade:
Medium to high fade with a defined side part. Hair on top is cut to one to three inches so you can create a clean part line from the temple to the crown. This is the go-to look for professionals and guys who want something that always looks put-together.
One of the most requested styles out there. The top is cut to emphasize texture and movement, paired with a mid or high fade. Thick or wavy hair works great with this. Just rub some matte clay or texturizing powder through it with your fingers and you’re good to go.
Longer hair on top swept up and back, creating height above the forehead. The fade on the sides makes the pompadour stand out. You’ll need a blow dryer and pomade or fiber to style this daily. It’s a bold look—if you want something that turns heads, this is it.
Similar to the pompadour but more relaxed. The volume sits at the front crown and sweeps backward rather than straight up. Works with most hair types and strikes a balance between professional and stylish.
Leave your curls natural on top—cut to medium length to keep the volume—while fading the sides. The contrast between full curls on top and clean-shaven sides highlights your natural texture. Curly hair has become way more popular in men’s fashion lately, and this style is a big reason why.
A skin fade with a precisely shaved hairline design. The “line up” is that sharp geometric edge along your hairline. It creates a bold, edgy look that definitely gets noticed. You’ll need regular touch-ups to keep the lines sharp.
The fade transitions smoothly into facial hair instead of stopping at your sideburns. The key is making sure there’s no disconnect between your head hair and your beard. Works with full beards, goatees, or stubble—whichever matches your facial hair growth.
Hair stays longer in the center—about two to four inches—while the sides drop dramatically. The drop fade follows your head’s natural curve. It gives you that mohawk vibe without the shaved sides, so it’s more practical for everyday wear.
Subtle low fade that keeps your natural wave, curl, or kink pattern as the main feature. Barely any styling product needed. If you want minimal maintenance, this is the move.
A mid fade with a precisely shaved line—about an eighth to a quarter inch wide—running from the temple to the crown. Adds visual interest and shows you pay attention to detail.
Picking a fade that works with your face shape makes a real difference in how the haircut looks.
Oval Face
You can pull off almost any fade. High fades with volume on top tend to look especially good. You’re lucky—you have flexibility.
Round Face
To add definition, go with high fades that create vertical lines. Pompadours, quiffs, or textured crops add height and make your face look longer. Avoid low fades—they tend to make round faces look wider.
Square Face
Your strong jawline handles various fade heights well. Mid fades usually look best. You can also pull off more dramatic fades since your bone structure provides the definition.
Rectangular Face
Your face is longer than it is wide. Low to mid fades add width. Textured styles with horizontal volume balance things out. Skip extremely high fades with tall top styles—they’ll make your face look even longer.
Diamond Face
Wide cheekbones, narrow forehead and chin. Mid fades with textured tops create width at the forehead. Very tall top volumes might overwhelm your narrower chin, so keep that in mind.
Getting what you want starts with clear communication.
First, tell your barber exactly where you want the fade. Low, mid, or high—be specific. Say something like “I want a mid fade starting about two inches above my ear.”
Bring photos. A picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to haircuts. Scroll through Instagram, Pinterest, or your barbershop’s website and save a few reference images.
Discuss the top separately. How long do you want it? Are you going for a pompadour, quiff, crop, or just natural texture? Mention if you want a hard part or any specific details.
Be real about your styling routine. If you don’t want to spend five minutes every morning with products and a blow dryer, say so. A good barber will recommend something that fits your lifestyle.
Keep it looking good between cuts:
Wash your hair regularly with shampoo and conditioner that matches your hair type. Clean hair takes product better and looks healthier. After washing, pat it dry—don’t rub.
Use the right product for your style. Pomade gives you hold and shine. Matte clays and texturizing powders work for more natural looks.
Don’t skip the trims. Every three to four weeks for mid fades, every two to three weeks for high or skin fades. If you can’t get to the barber, you can touch up faded areas yourself with a quality trimmer, though it takes practice to get it right.
What you use matters.
For sleek styles with hold and shine, water-based pomade gives you medium hold and washes out easy. Oil-based pomades are stronger with more shine.
Fiber and putties are better for textured, matte finishes that look more natural. Matte clays and texturizing powders create volume and texture without any shine.
For curly or textured hair, curl creams and leave-in conditioners keep your pattern looking good without getting crunchy.
A blow dryer with a concentrator attachment helps create volume for pompadours and quiffs.
What’s the difference between a taper and a fade?
A taper keeps some length at the neckline—it never quite reaches skin. A fade, especially a skin fade, goes all the way to bald. Barbers know the difference even though people use the terms interchangeably.
How long does a taper fade last?
Depends on the fade height and how fast your hair grows. High and skin fades need maintenance every two to three weeks. Low fades can go three to four weeks. Hair grows about a quarter to half inch per month.
Are taper fades suitable for thin hair?
Yes, when done right. A good barber will keep enough length on top to create density while fading the sides where thinning shows most. They can adjust the fade height to work with your thinning pattern.
Can I do a taper fade myself?
Touching up already-faded hair is doable with practice and quality clippers. But getting the initial shape and transition right requires skill. Most guys can extend time between salon visits with home touch-ups though.
What styles work best with thick hair?
Pretty much all of them. Textured crops and natural textures are especially forgiving and easy to maintain. The fade takes care of all that bulk thick hair creates on the sides.
The taper fade works because it’s practical and looks good on just about everyone. You’ve got options from subtle to bold, and something works for every face shape and hair type. Now that you know the different variations, understand how to pick one for your face, and can actually communicate what you want to your barber, you’re ready to get a cut that fits you.
Think about your face shape, invest in basic products that match your hair type, and stay on top of regular trims. That’s really all it takes to keep looking sharp.
You don't need to spend a fortune to get a decent fitness tracker. Seriously—the options…
Smartwatches have moved beyond simple step counting. The latest devices track heart rhythm, analyze sleep…
Finding the right smartwatch can transform your weight loss journey. These devices do far more…
I've tested dozens of wearables in real gym environments—from heavy lifting sessions to high-intensity interval…
Not all water-resistant watches actually track your swims well. Pool tracking, lap counting, stroke detection,…
Finding the right smartwatch for cycling isn't about strap style or brand loyalty—it's about getting…